Judge: Attorney’s client part of shooting investigation

Richard Wanke’s bond was revoked when he became part of the investigation into the shooting death of his court-appointed attorney, Gregory Clark.

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Richard Wanke’s bond was revoked on Wednesday when he became part of the investigation into the shooting death of his court-appointed attorney, Gregory Clark, a judge told Wanke today.

Since his September conviction on a 2006 burglary charge, Wanke had been out of jail on a $10,000 bond. He had been scheduled to be sentenced today — represented by Clark.

Instead, he was in court this afternoon to ask the judge why he was back in jail.

Judge John Truitt appointed Rockford attorney David Brown to represent Wanke in his burglary case and informed Wanke that he revoked his bond in the burglary case because of information presented to him involving Clark’s death.

Truitt said he believes Wanke is a danger to the community based on information he received about the investigation.

Wanke has not been arrested or charged in connection with Clark’s death.

Clark was clearing snow from the sidewalk in front of his home Wednesday when a blue minivan pulled up and a man jumped out and started shooting. Clark was pronounced dead at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center after he was shot several times in the back.

Wanke said he had been questioned by police regarding Clark’s death and asked Truitt what information he received involving him and Clark’s death. Truitt said he would not share that information, advising Wanke to speak with his attorney.

Staff writer Corina Curry can be reached at 815-987-1395 or ccurry@rrstar.com.